About the Fire Service Profession

A career in the fire service is both challenging and rewarding. Fire suppression is
only one of a wide variety of duties performed by the firefighters. In fact, approximately
85% of all fire departments responses are to emergency medical calls. Other typical
assignments may include fire prevention education, commercial and residential fire
inspections, community outreach and service, post-fire salvage and cleanup, and equipment
maintenance.

General Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

18 years of age

Valid California Driver’s License

Clean driving record

HS diploma or GED

Physical Requirements

Visual acuity of 20/70 uncorrected in each eye

20/25 correctable vision in both eyes

Normal range depth perception

Ability to identify primary colors

Normal hearing range

Weight proportioned to height

Excellent physical condition

Personal Attributes

Good judgment

Good communications skills

Demonstrate mechanical aptitude & basic math skills

Ability to understand and learn firefighting material

Ability to face hazardous & life threatening incidents

Possess coping skills for managing various situations

Must be a team player

Ability to get along with a variety of people in close quarters

Ability to follow orders

Ability to work in a paramilitary organization

Applying for a position

Most jurisdictions will distribute a flier or an announcement when they have an opening.
To get specific information about a particular agency, contact their Human Resources
office. Most selection processes for entry-level firefighters consist of an application
screening, a written exam, a physical ability test, and one or more oral interviews.

The hiring process for entry-level firefighters is extremely competitive. It is not
uncommon for a department to have as many as 5,000 applicants for as few as three
or four job openings. However, this situation may not apply to other positions such
as fire inspector, hazardous materials specialist, arson investigator, public information
officer, and community service representative.

What you can do to prepare now

Mt. SAC’s Fire Technology Department can prepare you for a rewarding career in fire
service. Becoming a firefighter often takes a great deal of long-term preparation,
self-motivation, and commitment. While there is no guarantee that these qualifications
will result in your selection as an entry-level firefighter, experience has shown
that they tend to distinguish outstanding candidates and validate their interest in
the profession.